Not sure what herbs to choose when you are feeling under the weather?   Today on the blog, we’re taking a look some herbs that are helpful during times of illness.  Plus,  I’ve got you covered with two herbal tea recipes for when you are sick.     

I’ve always loved herbal teas.   Way back when, my favorites were Mandarin Orange and Sleepytime but I’ve expanded my horizons quite a bit over the years.

For many years, I drank herbal tea for no other reason than I enjoyed it.   There’s nothing better than a nice hot cup of tea on a cold day or a fruity herbal sun tea to cool you down during the hot days of summer.  I drank herbal teas regularly with no thought that they could be healing to my body.  It wasn’t until the last few years that I started to think about herbal teas differently.

Herbal teas can serve many purposes.  They can be: 

• Nourishing & strengthening to the body (building the immune system and helping the body to heal)

• Detoxifying (stimulating the body to self-clean and rid itself of toxins, parasites, or pathogens

• Comforting & provide pain relief from many symptoms

 

Today, I have a pantry full of herbs and teas.   There are still teas that I love to drink just because they taste good.   Apple Spice Tea is so wonderful in the fall and the warming, spicy herbs in Cinnamon Tea & Bengal Spice Tea are simply delicious all throughout the winter but now I’m a lot more thoughtful about the teas I drink. Instead of choosing herbal teas based solely on taste, I now choose teas that support my body in whatever way that I need at that moment.

 There are times when I’m feeling run down and I want a nutritional boost.  These are the times that I reach for teas that contain herbs such as nettle, oatstraw, red clover, raspberry leaf and other herbs. These herbs can provide a lot of nutrients, particularly if you make a strong tea infusion.  We’ll be talking more about this in the near future.

Then there are times of illness.   Not only are you looking to soothe your symptoms but you want to support your body in fighting off the illness.  While taking over the counter medications can suppress your symptoms, herbs can actually support your body in healing naturally.  Whether you make your own tea blends or you purchase herbal teas, there are several herbs that can be helpful during times of illness.

Herbs that Support the Immune System

• Astragalus

• Elderberry

• Echinacea

• Cayenne (use sparingly during pregnancy)

• Ginger (use sparingly during pregnancy)

Herbs that Relieve Queasiness, Nausea & Vomiting

• Anise

• Catnip

• Cinnamon

• Cloves

• Fennel

• Ginger (use sparingly during pregnancy)

• Lemon Balm

• Peppermint

• Red Clover

• Red Raspberry

• Spearmint

• Sweet Basil

Herbs for Sore Throats & Coughs

• Echincea

• Sage

• Elderberry

• Horehound

Herbs for Sinus Congestion

• Mullein

• Peppermint

• Sage

I buy the majority of my herbs from  The Bulk Herb Store and Mountain Rose Herbs.

Today, I’ve got two tea recipes for you that are perfect for times of illness or when you feel something is coming on.   Both the “Flu-Busting” Elderberry Tea & the Immune Booster Tea contain herbs that soothe your symptoms while boosting your immune system.  They support your body in healing naturally.

“Flu-Busting” Elderberry Tea

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups water

• 2 tbsp elderberry syrup or 1 heaping tbsp dried elderberries.  Learn how to make homemade elderberry syrup here.

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 whole cloves

• honey (optional, to taste)

Instructions:  

Add all the ingredients except for the honey to a small saucepan.  Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

Immune Booster Tea

 Ingredients: 

• 3 cups water

• 2 tsp dried elderberries   (I purchase the majority of my herbs from The Bulk Herb Store and Mountain Rose Herbs.)

• 2 tsp dried chamomile

• 2 tsp dried echinacea

• 1 tsp dried peppermint

• honey (optional, to taste)

Instructions:  

Bring water to a boil   Add all the dry ingredients to your teapot, a large mug, or a quart jar. Pour boiling water over the herbs.  Cover and let steep for 15-30 minutes.  Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

What are your favorite herbs to use when you are feeling sick? 

 Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on my Facebook Page or on Instagram . 

 I love hearing your feedback!   

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Want to read more about herbal remedies for cold & flu ?  Here are some of my most popular cold & flu recipes.

• How to Make Homemade Elderberry Cold & Flu Syrup

• How to Make an Immune Boosting Echinacea Tincture and Throat Spray

• How to Make Homemade Fire Cider

• How to Make Sage Honey (for Sore Throat & Coughs)

• Or my Free Ebook, “Three Home Remedies You Can Make in an Afternoon”

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Print Recipe

"Flu-Busting" Elderberry Tea

Course

Beverages

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp elderberry syrup or 1 heaping tbsp dried elderberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• honey optional, to taste

Course Beverages Cook Time 30 minutes Servings cups Ingredients 2 cups water 2 tbsp elderberry syrup or 1 heaping tbsp dried elderberries 1 cinnamon stick 2 whole cloves honey optional, to taste

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients except for the honey to a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

Recipe Notes

Recipe by Jennifer Prentice @ www.myhealthyhomemadelife.com

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